Capitol Connections

As senators who are both hitting their term-limits, Chas Vincent, R-Libby, and Mary Caferro, D-Helena, both agree that as a state with term limits, elected officials must understand and communicate with each other, not only in their own caucus, but across the aisle.

Our guests discuss legislative efforts to make Montana an attractive site for two emerging industries. One helps agriculture, a traditional industry; the other is aimed at the burgeoning high-tech industry in the state.

Schools, the state of Montana, and local governments all benefit from revenue from coal, directly and indirectly. Besides income and property taxes, there’s also the severance tax on coal. Half of that tax revenue goes into the permanent Coal Severance Tax Trust. That money can’t be spent without approval from at least three-fourths of both the Montana House and Senate. The other 50% goes to the state’s general fund and a myriad of projects, including for the long-range building program, conservation districts, the state Library Commission, and the cultural trust.

There are 9 American Indian legislators in the 65th Montana Legislature, according to self-reporting to the Legislative Services Division. That’s about 6% of the 150 members. These 9 lawmakers have joined forces with at least 7 other legislative colleagues with American Indian constituents to form the Montana American Indian Caucus.

Two of the projects in the Democratic Bullock Administration’s major infrastructure proposal are aimed at helping Montana’s veterans. One is the Southwest Montana Veterans Home, which is awaiting one final piece of funding. The other project is the proposed renovation of Romney Hall at Montana State University to include veterans services.

This week's guest on Capitol Connections is Representative Ray Shaw, R-Sheridan. He rarely speaks, but when the discussion turns to veteran’s issues, his passion ignites. In this program, he talks about why, beginning with his service in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam.